Depression is a psychological disorder that is becoming more prevalent in Western society. It can occur at any age, and tends to affect twice as many women as men. People who are depressed can experience a number of symptoms such as ongoing sadness, lack of motivation, sleep and/or appetite problems, suicidal thinking, and problems with concentration and memory. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a helpful form of treatment for many people. There is research evidence showing that CBT is more effective than medication. Furthermore, people who receive CBT are less likely to relapse than those who take medication. CBT also tends to be less expensive in the long run.

Anxiety can mean many things, such as difficulty controlling worry, anxiety or panic in social situations, panic attacks, health concerns, obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour, and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As with depression, anxiety problems occur across the lifespan, and affect more women than men. CBT is an effective form of treatment, as demonstrated by many clinical trials.

Chronic pain is estimated to affect between 10-30% of Canadians, and can seriously compromise a person’s quality of life. It is typically defined as pain that lasts 3-6 months, or beyond the usual time of recovery. Chronic pain often occurs even without physical evidence of damage to tissue. Psychological factors are known to make pain worse. These include a person’s attitudes, thoughts, beliefs and emotions. For example, experiencing emotions such as depression, anxiety and anger can make pain and pain management worse. However, it is important to note that although psychological factors affect pain, this DOES NOT mean that the pain is not real, or “all in someone’s head.” My role is to compassionately help clients improve their ability to manage pain.

I also work with individuals who are trying to make important behaviour changes for health reasons. For example, individuals with diabetes or hypertension can often struggle to make lasting changes in diet and exercise. Psychological treatment can be very helpful for these problems.

One of my major rotations in Calgary was with the Diabetes, Hypertension and Cholesterol Service, where I worked within a multidisciplinary team. We worked with a range of patients with various health problems (e.g., diabetes; hypertension; obesity). Their health problems and/or their efforts to change behaviours were often negatively affected by psychological issues (e.g., emotional eating; stress; depression). I am very interested in the interaction between physical health and mental health, and believe psychologists have an important role to play in helping people make and maintain behaviour change.